Assess Your Existing Cabinets

Take a close look at the current condition of your metal cabinets. Are they structurally sound but looking dated? Do they have signs of wear like scratches, discoloration or rust? Determining what needs to be addressed will help guide your update plans.

Consider factors like:

• Layout – Is the configuration still working for your needs or should cabinets be moved/removed?
• Door/drawer condition – Do they function properly or need adjustments/replacement?
• Shelving – Is the interior storage setup optimal or need adjustments?
• Hardware – Do handles/knobs need replacing?
• Signs of rust/corrosion – This may dictate refinishing or replacement.

Clean Cabinets Thoroughly

Before making any changes, do a deep clean of your metal cabinets. Remove all contents and shelves and clean all surfaces with a degreasing cleaner or mineral spirits to remove built-up grime and grease.

Pay close attention to handles and hinges to remove accumulated dirt. Don’t neglect inside cabinet surfaces and shelves. Thorough cleaning will prep cabinets for the updates to come.

Update Cabinet Hardware

An easy update is to swap out dated hardware on cabinet doors and drawers with more modern, stylish handles and knobs. Stainless steel, matte black, brass and nickel are popular choices.

Make sure to measure existing hardware holes carefully so that new hardware will install easily without issues. Keep consistent finishes throughout the kitchen for a cohesive look.

Refinish or Recoat Surfaces

If your metal cabinets are in good structural condition, consider refinishing or recoating the surfaces for an updated look. Here are some options:

• Sand and repaint – For painted cabinets, scuff sand to rough up the surface, wipe clean, then apply 2-3 coats of a durable enamel cabinet paint in a fresh color.
• Spray a new finish – Have metal cabinet boxes professionally sprayed with a coating like lacquer, enamel or powder coating to change the color or finish.
• Stain or seal – For raw metal like stainless steel, apply a tinted transparent sealant/stain to alter the tone while allowing the metal grain to show through.
• Add a vinyl wrap – Self-adhesive vinyl sheets can give cabinets a woodgrain or solid color finish without removing the existing coating.

Replace Cabinet Doors

Swapping out old cabinet doors is a fast way to transform the look of your metal cabinets. Local cabinet companies can make replacement doors custom-sized to your cabinets out of materials like:

• Wood (stained, painted, shaker-style)
• Glass/metal
• Thermofoil
• High-gloss laminate

Combine replacement doors with new hardware for a completely refreshed style.

Upgrade Interior Storage

Don’t forget the inside of cabinets! To maximize storage space, consider adding:

• Pull-out trays and drawers
• Tiered shelves and inserts
• Drawer organizers for utensils
• Swing-out storage racks
• Lazy susans for corner cabinets

Well-designed interior fittings tailored for your needs will make your updated cabinets highly functional.

Install New Lighting

Task lighting and accent lighting can elevate your new kitchen cabinet style. Ideas include:

• Undercabinet LED strip lighting – concealed lighting that illuminates countertops
• Puck lights – provides focused task lighting
• Cabinet interior lighting – automatically illuminates contents when opened
• Glass cabinet lighting – LED strips or small spotlights to illuminate displayed items

Add Fresh Cabinet Hardware

Finally, install updated hardware like knobs, pulls, hinges and handles in a consistent finish to pull your whole new cabinet look together. For metal cabinets, opt for hardware also made from metal like stainless steel, chrome, satin nickel or oil-rubbed bronze.

By assessing your existing cabinets, repairing or replacing any damaged or worn components, and refinishing, repainting or replacing doors and hardware, you can give your metal kitchen cabinets a much needed facelift. Don’t overlook lighting enhancements and storage solutions to complete the transformation. With strategic updates, you can extend the life of your metal cabinets and make your kitchen look fresh and trendy again.

FAQ About Updating Metal Kitchen Cabinets

How much does it cost to update metal kitchen cabinets?

The cost can range widely from a few hundred dollars for minor updates like new hardware, to several thousand dollars for extensive refacing or cabinet replacement. Factors affecting the budget include the number of cabinets, type of materials and finishes selected, and whether you DIY or hire a contractor.

What is the easiest update for metal cabinets?

Installing new knobs and pulls is an easy, affordable update that can give cabinets a new look. Just ensure the new hardware fits the existing holes properly. Painting the cabinets a fresh color is another simple update.

Can you change the color of metal cabinets?

Yes, metal cabinets can be recoated or repainted to a different color, with proper preparation. For a powdercoated or enamel finish, have a pro spray on the new color. For a painted finish, scuff-sand and use a bonding primer before applying cabinet paint.

Should you keep wood or replace with metal cabinets?

It depends on your needs and style. Wood can provide a traditional, warmer look but requires more maintenance. Metal is very durable, provides a sleek, modern aesthetic, and is easy to keep clean, but can dent or scratch. Assess your lifestyle, preferences and decor when deciding.

Should I replace or reface cabinets?

If cabinets are in good structural condition, refacing by replacing doors and veneering visible surfaces can provide a fresh look for less cost. But if cabinets are damaged or layout changes are needed, replacement may be better. Refacing provides more limited color/style options than replacing.

How do you freshen up old metal cabinets?

A few easy ways to freshen up metal cabinets include replacing knobs/pulls with updated hardware, adding a coat of fresh paint, installing trendy lighting under or inside cabinets, removing doors for an open-shelf look, or applying contact paper inside cabinets for a quick color change.

Conclusion

Updating metal kitchen cabinets provides an excellent opportunity to reinvigorate the style and function of one of the most used spaces in your home. Whether you apply a fresh coat of paint, install new hardware or lighting, replace doors or reconfigure storage, your updated metal cabinets can give your kitchen a much-deserved makeover. With some vision and strategic changes, you can achieve the look, organization and convenience your kitchen deserves.